Laois deadline looms for communities with many Ukrainians to get special grants

Communities in Laois that have welcomed many Ukrainians and people seeking refuge from other countries into their home have have a short time left to apply for grants in recognition of the help they've given.

Laois County Council is getting just over €1 million under a new fund to recognise the help given to welcome refugees from Ukraine and other countries.  

The €1,014,607 is part of a €50 million national fund allocated through the Community Recognition Fund. The money is been allocated across all local authorities based on the number of new arrivals located.

The council says that in Laois, areas with the highest number of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries are: Rathdowney, Durrow, Abbeyleix, Portlaoise, Mountmellick, Clonaslee, Ballylinan, Portarlington and Emo area.

The council also outlines the possible types of projects that can be funded under the scheme as follows:

• Refurbishment of local sports clubs and facilities
• Upgrade of community facilities such as play areas, walkways, parks and community gardens
• Purchase of equipment to benefit local clubs, festivals, music and arts organisations
• Enhancement of school or parish facilities that are open to the wider community after hours or on weekends
• Transport infrastructure such as community vehicles and bus shelters 

Applicants will have to outline how the proposed project will deliver tangible benefits to the community. They will also be asked to state if any element of this proposal has previously been approved under a Government Department's scheme.

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A stipulation is that 60% of the proposed project must be complete in 2023.

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County Hall says proposals should be submitted to soconnor@laoiscoco.ie by 4 pm Friday, February 24 2023 using an expression of interest form that it can supply.